That seems like a no brainer for a nav system, but I have struggled with the same issue! You would think if they were going to reset all the time it would be to the normal north up orientation! Hope someone has a simple fix, seems like by now they would do a software upgrade to fix that!
That issue with the nav and the lack of and easy exit on the memory seat are about all I have to complain about on my platinum hybrid! Pretty great otherwise!

 

This seams to work for me, setting the default map orientation (I use the Toyota system and not my Android). With the 12" MM screen:

1. Go to MENU; choose SETUP.
2. Scroll down and choose NAVIGATION.
3. Scroll down and choose DETAILED NAVI. SETTINGS.
4. Scroll down to MAP ANIMATION and toggle to OFF.
5. Back out.

The map appears to keep it's last orientation setting; north up, heading UP or 3D heading up

 

Tried that, my 2023 does not show that as an option! Maybe hidden somewhere else ? I tried searching for that option too and it didnt find it!

 

2023+ has a different system than 2020-2022. That's why you can't find it.

 

Drove around all day today running errands. The navigation in my 2021 will keep the last map orientation; there is no actual default setting.

Sorry for the confusion on my part.

 

thanks, it appears the 23 does not retain the last setting and every time you move from the nav screen it defaults back to the vehicle directional setting!